Teachings And Sayings Of Chuang Tzu

Generally regarded as one of the foremost works of philosophy in any language, this important book by a brilliant Chinese philosopher and one of Taoism's founding fathers has exerted a profound influence on Chinese thought and led to the development of Zen Buddhism. This new edition contains a number of the most relevant and accessible selections from that great classic.

Free renderings of selections from the works of Chuang-tzŭ, taken from various translations.

First published in 1889. This re-issues the second, revised edition of 1926. Chuang Tzu was to Lao Tzu, the author of Tao Tê Ching, as Hui-neng, the sixth Patriarch of Zen Buddhism, was to Bodhidharma, and in some respects St.Paul to Jesus; he expanded the original teaching into a system and was thus the founder of Tao-ism. Whereas Lao Tzu was a contemporary of Confucius in the sixth century B.C, Chuang Tzu lived over two hundred years later. He was one of the greatest minds produced by China; philosopher, metaphysician, moralist and poet. It is impossible to understand the spiritual depth of the Tao Tê Ching without the aid of Chuang Tzu.

The Chuang Tzu is one of the key foundational works of Chinese Daoism, preaching non-contention, non-intention, simplicity and humility as the path to perfect equanimity amidst life's turmoil. The master Chang Tzu pursues this teaching via humour and historic parable: a deep book of many levels, that will repay reading on a regular basis.

The Book of Chuang Tzu draws together the stories, tales, jokes and anecdotes that have gathered around the figure of Chuang Tzu. One of the great founders of Taoism, Chaung Tzu lived in the fourth century BC and is among the most enjoyable and intriguing personalities in the whole of Chinese philosophy.

Master Ni draws upon his extensive training to re-work the entire book of Chuang Tzu, which is the foundation of Taoist and Zen philosophies. Hidden meanings of this ancient treasure are finally presented to modern readers.

Comparing the New Testament with the Tao Te Ching, Taoisms most sacred book, Jesus and Lao Tzu reveals a surprising set of examples in which these two spiritual masters point their followers in the same direction. With over 90 parallel sayings, readers find fresh understanding and new perspectives here, since the time-honored teachings are presented side by side. The book also shows how these shared truths transcend traditional religious boundaries.

Lao Tzu was the father of Taoism. In his "Tao Te Ching," Lao Tzu outlined the basic concept of Tao. Chuang Tzu and Lieh Tzu were Lao Tzu's most important followers who expounded and expanded the basic principles set forth by Lao Tzu. Together, the sayings of these three sages, which make up this volume, are the foundations for the philosophy of Tao. The translations of the works of these ancient Chinese sages by Lionel Giles and Herbert Giles are very highly regarded and considered by many to be the definitive English translations. Lionel's translation of "The Sayings of Lao Tzu" (1905), taken from the "Tao Te Ching" and logically re-ordered, is remarkable for its clarity of expression, particularly given the complexity of the subject. Herbert's translation of "The Sayings of Chuang Tzu," presented here, with an introduction by Lionel, was originally published as "Musings of a Chinese Mystic" (1906). Lionel's translation of "The Sayings of Lieh Tzu" was originally published as "The Book of Lieh Tzu, or Teachings in Taoism" (1912). Individually the works of these Chinese sages are classics. Together, they are a master resource of the history of Tao.